University of Nottingham

University

Bacteriology

The Molecular and Cellular Bacteriology Research Group (MCBRG) is housed in the Centre for Biomolecular Sciences which provides opportunities for multidisciplinary research in cellular and molecular bacteriology, medicinal chemistry, structural and cell biology, tissue engineering and both computational and mathematical systems biology; the MCBRG undertakes fundamental and translational research programmes targeted at important bacterial pathogens including Neisseria, campylobacter, clostridium, staphylococcus (MRSA), pseudomonas and Yersinia; this research incorporates projects on molecular mechanisms and evolutionary aspects of bacterial inter-cellular (quorum sensing) and intra-cellular signalling mechanisms, bacterial host-cell interactions and experimental infection models; furthermore, MCBRG members are investigating the biology of these micro-organisms using genomic, proteomic and metabolomic approaches with a view to developing novel antimicrobials; MCBRG also has extensive research projects on protein secretion mechanisms, exotoxin and colicin structure and function, the development of rapid diagnostics for healthcare-associated infections as well as preventative and therapeutic vaccine development; a very well supported research area within this group is the advanced metabolic engineering of clostridia to maximise the production of biofuels (butanol and ethanol) and other useful chemical commodities and the creation of second generation, sustainable biofuel producing strains better able to degrade plant cell walls; MCBRG is also studying biofilm biology, bacterial sporulation and germination and the exploitation of bacteria for cancer therapy; in addition, systems and synthetic biology programmes are also being developed specifically in the context of biofuels and cell-cell communication.

Entry requirements

2.1 (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject. English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element).